Family as a place of security, love and welfare is the most important unit of society. Unfortunately, due to poverty, neglect and violence, thousands of children and adolescents are living on the streets. Without protection, they must look after themselves and miss the opportunity of education, which results in despair without prospects. At our Zion Children’s Village, up to 60 children can find their new homes. Most of them were neglected by their parents, who were affected by extreme poverty. Many have also become victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. They used to live on the garbage dump or in the streets, where they got by with waste picking, begging, criminal acts and prostitution. Some were addicted to substances such as shoe adhesives commonly known as „Rugby“ and roof sealants. They inhaled the solvent out of these chemical substances to suppress their hunger or to temporary forget their daily problems and their traumatizing experiences. Many of the children living in our Children’s Village have also lost at least one of their parents.
We are aware of the fact that we cannot replace a family. As individuals we always return to our roots. Thus every child will sooner or later have to reconnect with his or her family of origin. Therefore, we try to reintegrate the children with their families – if it is in the best interest of the child. We also maintain a close connection to the families (family systems) of the children to ensure their active participation in the rehabilitation or healing process of the child.
Nevertheless, for the time staying at our Village, the children should always feel welcome and at home. The Children’s Village offers an environment of love and care. To support their healthy development, our house parents and shelter based social workers ought to offer the children a sense of belongingness and acceptance. We also encourage independence and thus the development of life skills and household skills. The children partake in the daily chores of the village, like cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry. They are also shown the value of gardening, farming and other similar productive activities.
The pre-school and elementary school children (up to grade 6) of the village attend lessons at our Zion Community Learning Center, while the older ones go to the local high school. Various activities are organized to promote physical, musical, and artistic development. Hence, sports, playing a musical instrument, dancing, singing, drawing are thoroughly encouraged. Excursions to the nature are also regularly organized.
Our social workers create an individual case study for each child. In cooperation with local psychologists they also work out therapy plans and delineate these with the house parents. In cases where law enforcement agencies are concerned, the social worker accompanies the child whenever necessary. Especially victims of abuse are accompanied and supported during the process of investigation and trial against their perpetrators. Paralegal assistance is offered in close cooperation with our local partner organizations specialized in the field of law.